Photo: NewRange Copper Nickel LLC
About this project
The NorthMet Project is a planned mine and associated processing facility to extract copper, nickel, cobalt, and platinum group metals, located about 6 miles north of Hoyt Lakes in St. Louis County. Originally proposed by PolyMet Mining Corp., the project underwent comprehensive environmental review from 2004 to 2016, followed by the issuance of DNR state permits in 2018. Several of the NorthMet Project permits were subject to legal challenges and mining has not commenced at the site. In 2023, PolyMet Mining Corp. and Teck Resources formed a joint venture known as NewRange Copper Nickel LLC (NewRange). The NorthMet Project is now a NewRange project.
On July 29, 2026, NewRange announced it is proposing several modifications to the NorthMet Project design that was previously reviewed. Because these proposed changes are substantial and affect the potential for significant adverse environmental effects, the DNR is preparing a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS).
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The company is proposing adjustments to the layout of the mining area and processing areas, including stockpiles, buildings, and water management infrastructure, which would remain within the project areas previously evaluated. NewRange also proposes to remove an additional processing step, the hydrometallurgical plant, that had been part of the previous design. Ore production would increase from approximately 32,000 to 40,000 tons per day, while the mine’s lifespan would decrease from 20 years to 16 years. Instead of using rail, NewRange proposes transporting material from the mine site to the on-site processing plant using a covered conveyor system approximately 8 miles in length. Finally, the company also proposes a new approach for managing tailings; rather than using the site’s existing tailings basin for tailings disposal, the new design proposes in-pit tailings disposal on adjacent lands previously mined for iron ore.
In addition, NewRange’s proposed changes might require new or amended permits and other approvals from state, federal and local agencies before it could proceed with project construction and operation. If an SEIS is required, state and local agencies cannot make final decisions about any required permits until the SEIS is deemed adequate.m
Explore the project timeline to see major milestones of the NorthMet Project.
Learn about the SEIS andthe project’s previous EIS.
Review the 2018 DNR-issued permits and stay updated on permitting news.
Learn about the DNR’s processes for environmental review and permitting.